“Janice Hahn Takes Commanding Lead in LA County Supervisor Race Amidst Strong Contenders”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn appeared poised to secure her third and final term on March 5, claiming an early lead with approximately 61 percent of the vote against former Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor John Cruikshank, according to preliminary results. Winning by over 50 percent in a California primary secures victory. By 9:30 p.m., only 672,000 votes had been counted in the low-turnout primary election.
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Janice Hahn
A Democrat, Hahn, 71, first won election in 2016 and secured re-election in 2020. Before her role as supervisor, she served three terms on the Los Angeles City Council and held congressional seats in California’s 36th and 44th districts. District 4, which she represents, encompasses over 50 cities and communities, including Artesia, Long Beach, Pico Rivera, Torrance, Whittier, and various unincorporated areas.
Hahn’s campaign centered on addressing the homelessness crisis, mental health issues, and enhancing public safety and emergency response while combating gun violence.
In contrast, former Sheriff Alex Villanueva, 61, who served from 2018 to 2022, sparred with Hahn and the Board of Supervisors on matters like COVID-19 vaccines and law enforcement defunding. He was the first Democrat elected sheriff in the county in 138 years but lost his re-election bid in 2022 to Robert Luna, endorsed by Hahn and other supervisors.
Villanueva, a 30-year deputy sheriff, campaigned on promises to reduce violent crime, end police defunding, and combat political corruption through the formation of a task force. He also pledged to expand homeless outreach services and enhance mental health facilities if elected.
John Cruikshank, a civil engineer and CEO, served on the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council since 2017. As the lesser-known Republican candidate, he emphasized focusing on public safety, infrastructure, homelessness, and economic empowerment.
The election for county supervisors, who serve four-year terms governing sections of the county with around 10 million residents, is significant. Incumbent county supervisors haven’t lost a re-election bid in 44 years, reflecting the enduring nature of their positions. Supervisors can serve up to 12 consecutive years. The outcome will shape the future course of Los Angeles County governance.
